Customer Ratings & Reviews

The blue parrot 550xt is a real headset this is my third one in over 10 years.

The BlueParrot B550-XT (awkward name) is a mono noise cancelling headset, best suited to those working in transport, warehouse, delivery, or similar environments where you need one ear free, great noise cancelation, and excellent range from your phone. The long battery life and talk time make the B550-XT even better. -= In the Box =- - BlueParrot B550-XT - USB a to Micro USB flat ribbon charging cable - Foam Ear Cup/Piece - Spare Foam Microphone Cover - 12V car charger (nice touch) -= First Impressions =- Out of the box, the B550-XT looks exactly as pictured. There's very good padding on the headband. The boom mic can rotate fully, so you can wear this with the ear piece on the left or right hand side. The buttons are a bit spongy, but this is typical for BlueParrot products. The device charges using microUSB which is a bit of a surprise, I think the B550-XT is the first thing I have got in a long time that is microUSB. FYI, the B550-XT is IP54 rated (wish the IP was higher, but you're unlikely to have this fall into water). -= Setup and Use =- Setup is easy, turn on, go to your phone, and pair. It shows up in my iPhone as B550-XT v1.35. There's a free BlueParrot App (search on BlueParrot, or you won't find it in your App Store). I had a small issue with the app not detecting the headset, but turning the headset off/on again fixed that. You can customize noise cancellation and the BlueParrot button in the app (by default it's mute, which works for me). I have been testing the BlueParrot for a few days now. I work in an office/warehouse environment and as luck would have it, we're also mid construction of new storage space. So I really got to put the B550-XT through its paces. This includes leaving my phone on the desk to walk to a loading dock while on a call, and generally walking and talking around the warehouse and building. I can say that the the B550 lives up to the promised long range (I probably got close to 150-200 feet away) without audio loss. The noise cancellation is also good and in my tests, the microphone was also good at suppressing background noise so people I called or were talking to had no issues. The comfort is good, although I would like a little more padding on the non earpiece side that rests on your head. Worth noting that the ear cup almost enclosed my entire ear. There's an included foam earpiece (the default is a leatherette type). So you can swap, but I prefer the noise isolation of the leatherette headpiece. -= What's Good =- The Noise Cancellation and Range is VERY good for this style of headset. I would go so far as to say I LOVE the range. It's really going to be a life saver over the holidays, as I tend to be the only office person actually in office over the holiday break - finding myself needing to go accept reception deliveries and go to the warehouse. Now I can stay on calls and hear what's going on! If I was one of our delivery drivers, I could see me loving the BlueParrot B550-XT even more. Untested is how comfortable and usable this is if you're in a warehouse that requires hardhats. My current job doesn't require them in the warehouse, but my previous one did - sharing in case this is helpful for others. -= What's Not So Good =- Micro USB charging, seriously... time to ditch the microUSB parrot! Also, as mentioned before, would love if the non-ear piece side had a little more padding. -= Final Thoughts =- If you work in a warehouse, as a driver, or in a delivery role - the BlueParrot B550-XT is an excellent headset. The battery life (I managed to get a whole day's use on a busy pre-Black Friday Saturday) and range make this a winner. If you're after an excellent voice headset, the B550-XT is definitely a good choice.

This is the kind of headset I need when I’m driving and also when I’m at my desk at home which sits next to a loud air conditioner just 2 feet away outside a window. I can say with certainty that the noise cancelling in loud environments works great and could be a must have for others who have my situations. Just to be sure, this headset is not for listening to music if you want a perfect sound. It is intended for helping you be hands free especially in louder environments and also where you want one ear free to be aware of your surroundings which could be traffic or a baby crying. The unit is a very well-designed device with padding just where you need it. The headband even has very thick pads to make my half-bald head feel comfy too – perfect; and a tip of the cap to the BlueParrott engineers for that extra soft padding. The cushioned earcup is soft and breathes – no sweat. There is a foam earcup included if you want to switch to that. I tried both but the leatherette cushion hit the sweet spot for me. The design allows use on either ear, you just swing the mic around 180 degrees to switch ears. You also get a very handy 'cigarette lighter plug with a USB port' for charging. The mic has a very smoothly adjusting boom to get your best performance. There is a mic mute button (very important) which utilizes the Parrott button which is a multi-functional button. You will want to download the BlueParrott app for various settings. The voice commands also check things like battery level and pairing so you can ensure you know your headset status. It does have 24 hours talk-time and 400 hours standby. The app also gives you links to Youtube tips, the BlueParrott site and more. The app also has a customer support phone number if you need help – nicely done by the BlueParrot people on the support side. The hands-free ability of the headset is extremely important in Arizona where I live. The troopers are keen to catch you if they spot you using your fingers on a cell phone screen. Can’t argue with that law, it keeps everyone safer; so just get this device to steer clear of the smokies (pun intended). You can set the unit up the way you need. You can use third party apps for push to talk, there are lots of them. But the key is this unit allows you to set the Parrott button to interact with whichever app you installed – wow. The controls on the side of the earpad are simple by design. I think this headset is designed to definitely make your environment safer when using it on the road. I highly recommend this headset for travelers of all sorts.

BlueParrott B550-XT So I just received my BlueParrott B550-XT headset a few days ago and have been putting it through its paces. I’ve used other BlueParrott headsets in the past and they’ve all been solid products that got the job done for me so I know this headset should be just as good if not better. Inside the box is: * BlueParrott B550-XT headset * Foam Ear Cushion Cover * Micro-USB Cable * Vehicle Charger * 2 Mic Windscreen Covers * QuickStart User Guide It is recommended to download the BlueParrott app from the App Store for iPhone devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Once downloaded simply follow the instructions in the app to pair your phone and the headset together. When everything is paired you can tweak and adjust the headset settings to your liking within the app. Before using the headset I double checked the app to ensure it was fully updated as you can update the firmware within the app. On the side of the headset is the Power Button along with the UP/DOWN volume buttonsIn using the the headset I found that it could use just a tad more volume boost, however, all of my calls were crystal clear and those on the other side also stated that my calls were clearer versus other headsets I’ve used in the past. I love the fact that to mute a call, you simply press the BlueParrott button on the side and press it again to unmute it. The BlueParrott button also doubles as the Voice Commands control button as well. Another great feature about his headset is its long battery life. Though I’ve not been able to fully confirm it, Jabra/BlueParrott claims 24 hours of talk time. Everyone loves longer battery life so this is an easy no-brainer for someone looking for a great headset for hands-free phone calls. Music also sounds amazing as you can set your devices to play music in between taking phone calls. And with having just one ear-cuff, it allows me to stay alert in case someone walks into my office. So far I have enjoyed using my headset and love that it comes with a car charger so I can answer calls on the road, which makes this a great headset for someone that drives a lot for their job such as a delivery person or a truck driver.

Blue Parrot has a reputation for knowing what it's doing when designing this style headset. My husband is a trucker and has used many of these types of headsets, and prefers Blue Parrot. I, myself, have tried a variety of different brands of headsets over the years, including Blue Parrot. My previous experience with the brand was somewhat lackluster. They just didn't impress me much. But I was willing to give the brand another try with regards to this particular model. Yes, there is a Blue Parrot app which assists with pairing/connecting the headset to your mobile phone. With the app you can check the headset's battery level, configure the 'Blue Parrot Button', register your headset, update the device's firmware, and even perform a sound check to hear how the headset's audio sounds. You can program the 'Blue Parrot Button' to listen for voice commands, so in effect, you'll be able to use the headset "hands free." It can also be set to mute/unmute the microphone, place a call to a specific phone number, or tell you the headset's battery status. I will say that while on a phone call, the audio quality of how the person I was talking to sounded, was not what I would have expected. While certainly able to hear the other person just fine, the audio sounded "muted" with no real depth or crisp clarity. But after trying a sample sound test, my own voice (how it would sound to someone else) was vastly different, and sounded much better, much more like I would expect. The "always on" noise cancellation worked pretty good. No complaints there. Battery life was also great. I've not had to charge the headset again, as of yet, after several days of wearing it a few hours at a time. A big plus, for me, is being able to pair the headset to 2 different devices. As for how far away from my mobile phone the Bluetooth connection would reach, well ... I'm still not quite able to walk all the way from my house to the community mailboxes; but almost. The range is, however, good enough for roaming about my front and back yards while talking to my husband during our daily phone calls. Unfortunately, I'm really 'not a fan' of the side buttons. I mean, they do the job and are right there, easily accessible. But I found the actual button press to be underwhelming. It was somewhat difficult for me to know if I'd pressed the +/- in adequately. I just think this feature could be better. I really prefer the faux leather cushioned earcups over the foam replacement earcups they include in the box; along with an extra mic foam cover. The earcup is meant to rest upon the outside of your ear and not "cradle" your ear as some other headsets do. The adjustable headband has a small amount of cushioning, good enough to help make the headset more comfortable for wearing during longer periods of use. There's a cigarette lighter plug-in included (along with a USB charging cable). The shape is thin, rather unusual looking, at least to me, but it does what it's meant to if you need to charge your headset 'on-the-go' and don't have a car that has built-in USB charging plugs. Overall, this Blue Parrot B550-XT Headset is designed really really well. It's constructed exceptionally well, too. Even with my minor criticisms, I can wholeheartedly recommend.

I knew this BlueParrott headset must be special when I found that it was very popular with truck drivers. Those guys and gals are almost constantly in a noisy environment either in their truck or in the warehouse. I'm using it for office work, sometimes at home or in the office. In the office, you have people talking and things constantly being noisy and at home, I like either a podcast running or my television on. So every time I get a call, I have to make sure I silent those things before I answer the call. But after testing this headset, I'm really confident that background noise is no longer a worry. The noise cancellation on this mic is like none other I've ever used and I've used quite a few headsets and many many earbuds. Unboxing the 550 there is the headset, a foam cushion to the cover the earpiece and a cushion for the boom mic. There is also the charging cable and 12v charging plug for your car. I thought this was quite considerate knowing that probably their main customer will be people in a vehicle. The headset is really comfortable to wear with both the padding on the headband and earpiece cushion is very comfortable. Hours of use did not give me fatigue. The mic can be rotated so you can use it left or right side. The boom mic is also flexible so you can adjust it to your desired position. There is also a customizable button through the Blueparrott app so you can call up different features. I really can't find a flaw with this headset. I've been able to work from home, have conversations and still do things around the house and outside the house without worry about the person on the other line hearing anything. Really a game changer.

The BlueParrott B550-XT is a premium Bluetooth headset designed for professionals who demand crystal-clear audio, superior noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. I have a lot of phone calls to make during the day and I work outside, driving cars, different conditions, and different background noise almost everyday. I've been with my employer for the last year and no two days have been the same. For the two weeks I've had this headset it has held up to the challenge that is my life. With the life I live I need the headset is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance, making it suitable for use in challenging environments, like mine. On the other end of the phone call I have not received a lot of feedback or what responses because they can't hear me or I'm having a hard time hearing them. Keep in mind these are over the single ear headphones and I'm getting less complaints than I have out of some of my more $300 pods that are supposed to be God's gift to audio sound and everything else related to the ear.This is a premium Bluetooth headset that delivers on its promise of exceptional audio quality, superior noise cancellation, that nothing else (regardless of price point) can seem to do. I recommended for professionals who require a high-quality Bluetooth headset with exceptional noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable fit. The first thing you are going to be is happy, what you will never be is unsatisfied.

The BlueParrot B550-XT is a Bluetooth headset that is purpose built for people who drive for a living or work all day with their hands. The B550-XT headset is comfortable enough to wear all day with 24 hours of talk time to guarantee you get a full workday (or three...) without having to charge. #Unboxing and first impressions# The BlueParrot B550-XT has pretty standard packaging that includes the headset, a micro-USB charging cable, extra foam pads for the microphone and earpiece, and an interesting slim shaped vehicle 12v adapter (cigarette lighter style). The headset arrived with plenty of charge and I was able to immediately pair it to my phone and computer. My initial impression is that the headset feels very well made and easily able to stand up to being tossed around a vehicle. As someone who used to work on the road and would often swap through multiple Voyager headsets to make it through a workday, the B550-XT feels very high quality. My only negative impression is the inclusion of the Micro-USB instead of USB-C for charging. In 2024, this would make the B550-XT the only device I'd consider having in my every day kit that doesn't charge with USB-C, and that's a big miss. It's somewhat made up for by the exceptional battery life that means I can probably get away with not having to keep a micro USB cable in the car, but it's still a miss. #Using the headset# I already had the BlueParrot app on my phone from using a different model of their headsets, so I was easily able to check for latest firmware on the headset immediately after pairing, and customize the BlueParrot button (well, really to check to make sure it was set to mute/unmute which is the default). I also used the BlueParrot app's built in Sound Check feature to test the quality of the microphone in a noisy as well as quiet environment. Sound quality on the B550-XT is a little mixed. The microphone has exceptionally good noise cancelling, easily the best I have used for a very loud environment. Someone working in a heavy duty vehicle or even in a datacenter could easily use the B550-XT and be understood by people on the other end of the call. In a quiet environment, the B550-XT doesn't seem to use wide band audio so it doesn't sound quite as good as other headsets I've used. The same goes for the listening quality - the bitrate is limited on the B550-XT so it's not something you'd pick for listening to entertainment first. But for someone who wants or needs to be on the phone all day while working, the B550-XT allows you to do that without the environment on your end intruding into the call. When joining team conference calls from my car, the others on my team noted that my voice didn't sound as good as my home setup (which is to use a podcasting style mic, so no surprise there!) but they had no idea I was on the road at highway speeds. #Final thoughts# The BlueParrot B550-XT is a high quality, well made, and well performing bluetooth headset for people who need the absolute best voice quality no matter how noisy the environment they are in. It also has incredible battery life to make it through multiple workdays without needing to charge. The only negatives with the B550-XT are the inclusion of MicroUSB for charging rather than USB-C, and the low audio bitrate which mainly affects entertainment audio rather than calls.

Unboxing The BlueParrott B550-XT comes in compact, no-nonsense packaging that immediately conveys its professional focus. Inside, you’ll find the headset, a USB-C charging cable, two interchangeable ear cups (foam and leather), and a spare foam cover for the microphone. This extra mic foam piece is a thoughtful addition for maintaining clarity over time, especially in environments prone to wear and tear. Everything is neatly arranged, and the headset feels rugged and ready for heavy-duty use. Setup and Pairing Setting up the B550-XT was straightforward. I downloaded the BlueParrott app, available for both iOS and Android, which offers features like firmware updates and custom button settings. Pairing with my iPhone and Android devices was effortless—holding the power button for a few seconds put the headset in pairing mode. The app walked me through the process, which took under a minute. Switching between devices was seamless and didn’t require re-pairing. Comfort The B550-XT is designed to stay put, which it does well, though the snug fit might feel a bit tight during extended use. The padded headband adds some relief, but the ear cup can press more firmly than I’d prefer. However, this secure fit ensures it stays comfortable and functional for active users. I also appreciated the ability to wear it on either side, which makes it adaptable for personal preferences. Voice Call Clarity Call quality is where the B550-XT shines. With its advanced noise cancellation, it performs exceptionally well in noisy environments, making it ideal for truckers, warehouse workers, or anyone frequently on the go. Callers consistently commented on how clear my voice sounded, even with background chatter or wind noise. The mic boom is flexible and adjustable, ensuring precise positioning for optimal audio pickup. Battery Life Battery life is another highlight. I consistently got close to 24 hours of talk time on a full charge, and the standby time stretches even further. Charging via USB-C is convenient and quick, and the app provides real-time battery status updates, so I was never caught off guard. Versatility and Accessories The inclusion of both foam and leather ear cups allows you to tailor the headset to your comfort and environment. Foam is better for long sessions, while leather offers excellent sound isolation, perfect for noisy settings. The extra mic foam cover is a small but thoughtful touch, ensuring you can maintain peak call clarity even after prolonged use. Conclusion The BlueParrott B550-XT is an outstanding Bluetooth headset built for professionals needing reliable, high-quality communication in demanding environments. While the fit might be a bit snug for some, the trade-off is a secure, durable headset with top-tier call clarity, excellent battery life, and customizable features. If you’re in need of a dependable, high-performance headset, the B550-XT is a solid investment.

What’s in the box: Headset USB-A to Micro USB power cord Car adapter to USB-A Extra Mic windsock Foam pad for earpiece Get Started Guide This headset is a driver’s dream. That is unless you have a big head. The adjustability is for height not width. This leaves the left pad tight against your head and a headache after prolonged usage. The headset is made of sturdy material and if you try to bend it out for extra width it just snaps back into place. You can also connect to 2 different Bluetooth devices. This allows you to connect to which one is present when you turn the device on. This headphone set has been designed for use in high noise environments and the noise cancelation is excellent. The power charging cord with a micro-USB end is older and not utilized anymore. With the noise cancellation on the audio is good, but not great. Even within the app there is no adjustability for the audio. Using voice controls takes some getting used to. Pronounce the words repeatedly the same way. The BlueParrott B550-XT does everything you will need, it just lacks in the important areas for me.

I was not sure if I was interested in a Bluetooth headset with one earphone. However, I decided to try these because I do a lot of long-distance driving for my job and I have a partner. The BlueParrot B550 Headset has very good sound for calls and does a great job at blocking out background noise. This is the main reason I bought them. The truck we drive is very noisy inside and I wanted to be able to hear and be heard on the road. They felt a little weird at first with just one side covering your ear and a stub on the other. However, I quickly figured out the most comfortable position and it makes sense to have one ear open at work. A nice feature of these is that the mic rotates over enabling you to use either ear for your sound depending on your preference. They also come equipped with voice-activated actions so you can use your voice to answer and make calls as well as hear messages read aloud to you if you choose. You can adjust the settings for these things in the BlueParrot app. I am glad I got them now because of their superior noise-canceling ability it makes life on the road much more enjoyable. It is nice for the people you are talking to having no problems hearing what you are saying to them. It was a little bit of a struggle at times before getting these. Now I know why I see all of the truck drivers using these things. It is because they really do work well in noisy environments without impeding your ability to converse with others.

The BlueParrott B550-XT Bluetooth Headset comes well packaged and with written instructions along with illustrations of instructions, which I really liked. It was a breeze to get the head set charged and connected via Bluetooth. I have always wanted a headset like this so that I can talk on the phone and have use of both hands. I have a regular sized head but when I first put the headset on, it felt too small. It felt weirder having it cover just one ear. It can be wore on the right or left side of your head. It took about 15 minutes to get it adjusted correctly and I did this while talking on my phone. The person on the other end did not think the volume of my voice was as good with the headset connected but I kept adjusting the headband and the microphone. I don’t spend much time talking on the phone but this headset would be ideal for someone who spent hours on the phone or who needs use of both hands while talking. I found the side buttons that control the headset to be easy to use since I could press them and find the correct control without removing the headset. I look forward to using this in the future when I am on a long call or need use of both hands.

Qs q bluetooth headset it does the job in that it connectws via bluetooth but it's not a device tghat stands out for being better thgan anything else out there. Where do I start? How about the fact that it's 2024 and is using micro USB for charging? Seriously, who is ising micro USB for charging at the end of 2024? I don't have any micro USB charging cables lying around any more but thanks to this headset I've got another chardging cable to luig afround now which is not cool kin my book. And to make matterd worse it's a short cord. On the upside it has a USB-A plug on one end so there is that. Ok, now that I have my biggest complaints knocked out tgime to get to the good things. First off it connects solidly to either my iPhone or laptop with no issues offferimg a solid connection. Sound is good. I've not had any complaints from any folks I've been on a call with. Likewise I've not this had any issues headset on a call. In that respect I've had no issues using this headset. What's holding it back is it's dersign from 2019.

My initial issue with the headset really just takes some getting use to and a slight adjustment. The mic. If the mic is slightly twisted away from you, it does not pick up your voice very well. You are almost whispering, no matter how loud you speak. Fixing the issue takes a little playing in the app and doing a recording until you find the right angle. Also, the mic needs to be very close to your mouth. Another drawback, but not docking a star for this, it uses micro-USB for charging. It is one of my last items that still uses micro-USB. A hardware upgrade for the headset hopefully will add USB-C in the future. But that won't fix the current headset. Just one more cable to carry. But this will affect you if you are already using USB-C in your DC adapter. They include a DC to USB charger, but that doesn't help if you are already charging your phone in the vehicle. On the positive side, the hands free works pretty well, but is slightly limited. Hello Blue Parrott activates the hands free mode. OK, I take that back. While writing this the Hello Blue Parrott stopped working and the headset has stopped playing audio. Beyond that, the Hello Blue Parrott command, when it does respond, does not hear the commands I am saying. I checked the mic placement, and it is recording correctly when I can get the audio to play through the headset. I removed the headset from my devices, rebooted phone and repaired with the headset. Same issues. Opening a case with their support team. I will update the review with a comment in the future, provided I can get this working again. For now I give it a two star, the only reason it is not a 1 is based off my initial usage when it was working correctly. Based off my current state, I can not recommend.